Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Management of Severe Communication Disorders in Children and Adults.

This book is an introductory text written for persons who are interested in communication options for persons who are unable to meet their daily communication needs through natural modes such as speech, gestures, or handwriting. The augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) field is presented as being important to a multidisciplinary audience because AAC users may be seen by a variety of professionals for either evaluation or treatment of their communication problems or other health problems.

The text is divided into two parts. Part 1, chapters 1 through 9, introduces the reader to the basic concepts, terminology, and research of the AAC field. I found chapters 2 through 5 to be extremely interesting. These chapters present an overview of the types of AAC systems that are available along with a discussion of the pros and cons for each of the systems. Additionally, pertinent research is presented on the use of the various systems. The information contained in these specific chapters would be helpful when decisions are being made about the type of system that would be optimal for specific individuals. In chapters 6 through 8, the issues of who is to provide AAC services, how to do a complete assessment, and how intervention is to be accomplished are addressed. This section is very readable and offers practical information and suggestions on each of these issues. Chapter 9 addresses vocabulary selection and retention in AAC. This chapter highlights the importance of considering factors such as "school talk" versus "home talk," age and gender variables, and literacy level when developing the vocabulary that is to be used in the AAC.

Part 2 of the book reviews AAC interventions for individuals of various ages and etiologies. Chapters 10 through 15 address persons who have developmental disorders. The remaining four chapters focus on persons who have acquired communication disorders. Each of these chapters has an excellent overview of specific disorders, such as cerebral palsy, autism, visual impairments, traumatic brain injury, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which may require the use of an AAC. Additionally, each chapter covers the management of individual cases to illustrate how an AAC system may aid the individual in communicating effectively.

The primary flaw of the text is the limited amount of information that is given about the importance of motor control and positioning for individuals who have motor impairments. Only a fleeting comment is made that "occupational and physical therapists are likely to be consultants to the regular teacher regarding motor control, positioning, and mobility issues." No mention is made about the importance of an occupational therapist or a physical therapist in the positioning or motor control of adults who need to access augmentative or alternative communication systems.

I highly recommend this book to physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, and educators who desire a textbook that presents an overview of the management of severe communication disorders in children and adults. The information contained in the text should be useful to both entry-level and experienced clinicans.